Bareback on Butterscotch

Yesterday Mollie and I loaded up Butterscotch to take him to a trainer for 30 days (Mom's just a little paranoid about her only child getting hurt). When we got there Mollie led him to the arena and the trainer did a few things with him and then actually rode him. Much to our surprise Butterscotch didn't protest, even when his little knees buckled under the weight! It was like he just said "o.k." and did what the trainer asked. Then the man called Mollie over, put her on Butterscotch, showed her where to hold the "reins" (mind you, Butterscotch had no bridle or saddle, just a halter with a lead rope) and told Mollie to kick her heels and tell him to go. And away they went! I started to cry, (I always cry). I was so beaming proud of Mollie and little Butterscotch. He was so good, willing to please and patient. The trainer told me there was nothing he could do for the horse and there was no reason for him to be there. It was just a matter of Mollie learning the basics of riding and then putting the two together. It really boosted my confidence in the little guy after seeing him and her together. He wasn't at all bothered that he was in a new place with new horses with a 200+ lb. man asking to ride him. She is very excited to start her lessons tomorrow. He's even going to teach her how to rope. Watch out calves, here she comes!!